Fluorochemicals are an emerging environmental concern. In particular perfluorooctanesulfonate
has been found in high levels in human blood of production workers, and more
surprisingly it has been found in air, water, and biota throughout the northern
hemisphere. Therefore it is of global concern. To date no information is available
on concentrations of fluorochemicals in water bodies of Minnesota. This study
proposes to sample thirty-two sites from across the state of Minnesota and
analyze them for fluorochemicals. Whole water, and some wastewater treatment
effluent and sediments will be analyzed to investigate partitioning behavior
and the importance of point sources. The sites will be representative of urban,
suburban, rural and remote locations. Some sites will also be taken upstream
and downstream of wastewater treatment facilities on select Minnesota rivers.
The objectives of this study are to provide baseline information on the levels
of fluorochemicals in Minnesota waters, determine the presence of spatial
variability, investigate the relative importance of sediments versus water
column transport, and determine the relative importance of atmospheric deposition,
regional and point sources. All samples will be analyzed by both gas chromatography
mass spectrometry and high performance liquid chromatography electrospray
mass spectrometry. The study will employ and train one graduate student for
two years to conduct the sampling, analysis, and interpretation of results
and dissemination of results.